Help! Blew out my amp, need a new one.

[VenousPlatypus]

Sorry if this is quite off the topic of EBMM, but I have recently blown out my SWR LA 15 amp, and am looking to get one (With proper ventilation) for $700 or less. I am a pop-funk/ smooth rock player and need something with a beefy/crisp tone. I was quite fond of the sound of my SWR amp, but am willing to branch off and look into other things. I know there are alot of AMAZING bass players in this forum, and I hope to find something that will work for me based off of your experiences.
Thanks in advance,
Gage

 

[bovinehost]

Internationally semi-famous Nashville cat Craig "The Kraken" Young prefers Markbass gear.

And I do, too, but I wouldn't listen to ME.

 

[VenousPlatypus]

that stuffs COSTLY as all heck tho. SWR is pretty much Mark Bass' cheaper not as nice sounding stuff.

 

[VenousPlatypus]

So far, im thinking Buy Fender Rumble 350 350W 2x10 Bass Combo Amp | Solid State Combo Amps | Musician's Friend or Buy SWR WorkingPro 15 200 Watt 1x15" Bass Combo Amp | Solid State Combo Amps | Musician's Friend. the fender has more power and sound, but the SWR has more PUNCH and tone. if u know what i mean.

 

[Steamthief]

Buy used, you'll get much more bang for your buck. $700 will buy a pretty nice amp.

 

[VenousPlatypus]

yea, the 700 buck 15 in 200 watt swr combo has ALOT in it, and thats what im betting on getting right now, but im NOT getting used because i dont know what im getting that way. i want something that will be ALL mine and that i can fix and keep until it is unrepairable. even if it becomes my practice amp rather than my gig amp. which it will haha

 

[five7]

I was at GC in denver 2 days ago and they had a used markbass LMT800 for $400, that is a smokin deal on a great amp. Way better than SWR or fender IMHO.

 

[VenousPlatypus]

that a head.. not an amp. but ty. im looking for a combo amp with good ventilation that i can play for hours on end with good volume and crisp tone.

 

[DTG]

For years I tried to use cheaper gear to get the sound and power I needed. 700 will get you an amp that will be ok but never be better than just ok.
I would say buy used but get it from a store that will give you a guarantee.that way your 700 might get you what you need. I used to use a super redhead and never thought the swr and mark bass tone where the same. Thats not to say I diddnt like the swr stuff, it just diddnt have the head room I wanted.

If your gigging I have one rule, don't use cheap gear !

Try see if you can get a used mark bass combo the 1x15 is very loud and punchy for it's size.

Happy shopping !

 

[Musicman Nut]

So far, im thinking Buy Fender Rumble 350 350W 2x10 Bass Combo Amp | Solid State Combo Amps | Musician's Friend or Buy SWR WorkingPro 15 200 Watt 1x15" Bass Combo Amp | Solid State Combo Amps | Musician's Friend. the fender has more power and sound, but the SWR has more PUNCH and tone. if u know what i mean.

Stop Buying Crap, Buy a Real amp and be done with, Sorry but SWR is Fender and Fender Bass Amps are Horrible, Get a Mark Bass and be done with it my friend.

 

[Manfloozy]

I'm sorry but I'm with the other guys. You can get a CMD121p or CMD102p (Markbass) combo for that used (or close on sale) and they will slaughter the SWR or Fender. The Mesa Walkabout Scout can also be had used for that.... Although it's not known for a crisp tone. If you want to stay with SWR you could hold out for a Super Redhead or similiar too.

One other suggestion would be to keep an eye out for separates. You could probably grab a good 210 or 410 used and stick a Little Mark II on top and stay within budget. This will give you upgradeability in the future and a lot of bang for your buck.

I understand your desire to buy new and have something that is just yours.... Do whatever you feel comfortable, just have reasonable expectations of the combos you were looking at and try to get them on sale.

 

[projectapollo]

I vote for the Mesa 12" Walk About Scout. Used for $800, usually. Tone for days.
(BTW -- this is my 500th post!)

 

[jlepre]

You can find a used Genz Benz Shuttle 6 and a decent used 410 cab for around $700. This would do your style very nicely. I would stay away from the inexpensive stuff, and combos in general. You get MUCH more flexibility from a modular setup.

 

[Manfloozy]

You can find a used Genz Benz Shuttle 6 and a decent used 410 cab for around $700. This would do your style very nicely. I would stay away from the inexpensive stuff, and combos in general. You get MUCH more flexibility from a modular setup.

Oooh good one John! Genz stuff is great and absolutely fits the fat but crisp description!

 

[Basswave]

I make my living off Markbass...It holds up and preforms

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I agree with above sentiment:
I'm too cheap to buy cheap gear. In the end, you'll probably end up wanting something else so it's cheaper in the long run to save up and buy some good stuff. I too, wouldn't rule out used equipment. You should be able to do well within your budget going used. That's not to say that you can't get some less expensive equipment and be happy with it.

 

[Steamthief]

I was at GC in denver 2 days ago and they had a used markbass LMT800 for $400, that is a smokin deal on a great amp. Way better than SWR or fender IMHO.

Stop Buying Crap, Buy a Real amp and be done with, Sorry but SWR is Fender and Fender Bass Amps are Horrible, Get a Mark Bass and be done with it my friend.

My Fender head sounds better than any MarkBass head I've heard, but that's my preference. There's a big difference between Rumble series and Pro series gear.

Based on OP's tonal goals, Genz Benz seems like a good option. Best bet is to listen to as many amps as you can - your own ears are the best judge.

 

[stingray96191]

mesa boogie walkabout scout "12 you can find one used. warrenty is transferrable. voice of god in a 60 lb box.

 

[jlepre]

My Fender head sounds better than any MarkBass head I've heard, but that's my preference. There's a big difference between Rumble series and Pro series gear.

According to your signature you have the TB-600 which runs about $1000...a little on the high side for the OP, but that's just my 2 cents.

 

[Steamthief]

According to your signature you have the TB-600 which runs about $1000...a little on the high side for the OP, but that's just my 2 cents.

I didn't suggest he buy an amp like mine, just responding to broad-brush critics. If you would have read my whole post, I suggested he should try out Genz Benz, which has a sound palette that seems better suited to what he's seeking tonally than a TB-600.